Did you know that running can do wonders for our mind? It’s true! Running isn’t just a physical activity; it’s a powerful brain workout.
When we start running, we’re not just exercising our bodies – we’re also giving our minds a great workout.
There’s a strong connection between running and improved thinking skills. This happens because of the many changes that take place in our bodies while and after we run.
Understanding how these changes work helps us see why running can be so good for our brains.
Physical Benefits of Running
1. Increased Blood Flow and Oxygen Delivery to the Brain
When we run, it’s like our bodies have a pump that sends more blood to our brain. This blood carries the oxygen and nutrients that our brain cells need to work well. With more blood flowing to our brain, it can function better, helping us think more clearly and improve our overall mental abilities which leads to sharper thinking, faster processing speed, enhanced cognitive function, and improved memory and learning capabilities.
2. The Power of BDNF: “Miracle-Gro” for the Brain
When we run, our bodies start making more BDNF. Scientists often call BDNF “miracle-gro for the brain” because it’s so important for our brains.This special protein helps our brains create new connections between brain cells and keeps those connections strong. Studies have shown that we can see a big increase in BDNF levels even after just one run. And if we run regularly, our BDNF levels stay high.
What is BDNF?
- BDNF stands for Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor.
- It’s a powerful protein that plays a vital role in brain health and function.
- Often referred to as “miracle-gro for the brain,” BDNF acts as a fertilizer for brain cells, supporting their growth, survival, and communication.
Benefits of BDNF:
- BDNF promotes the growth of new brain cells, a process known as neurogenesis. This is crucial for learning, memory, and brain repair.
- BDNF strengthens existing neural connections (synapses) by increasing the number and strength of receptors. This enhances communication between brain cells, improving information processing and memory.
- BDNF protects existing brain cells from damage and degeneration, which is particularly important as we age.
3. The “Runner’s High” & The Neurochemical Boost
The amazing things that happen in our bodies don’t stop there. Running also helps our bodies release endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. We also produce other helpful chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals not only make us feel good (that’s the famous “runner’s high”!) but also help our brains become more flexible. This means our brains get better at forming new connections and adapting to new challenges.
Endorphin Release:
- Endorphins are like the body’s own natural painkillers. They are special chemicals in our brain that make us feel good and reduce pain.
- When we exercise, especially when we run hard, our brain releases these endorphins. This can create a feeling of happiness and excitement, which is sometimes called the ‘runner’s high.’
- While endorphins mainly help us feel less pain, they also make us feel good and improve our mood.
Serotonin:
- Serotonin is often called the ‘happiness hormone’ because it helps us feel good. It plays an important role in how we feel, how well we sleep, and how much we eat.
- When we run, it can help our bodies release more serotonin. This can make us feel happier, less anxious, and more relaxed.
Dopamine:
- Dopamine is often called the ‘reward’ chemical in our brain. It helps us feel motivated, happy, and learn new things.
- When we run, our brain produces more dopamine. This makes us feel good and gives us a sense of accomplishment, which encourages us to keep exercising.
When these chemicals work together in our brain, they have a powerful effect on how we feel.
They help us feel less stressed, anxious, and sad.
This improved mood makes it easier for us to think creatively, focus better, and feel good about ourselves.
These chemicals also help our brain become more flexible, which means it can easily adjust to new things and challenges.
4. Changes in Brain Structure
- Running also changes the physical structure of our brain. People who run regularly often have more gray matter in the parts of the brain that help with memory and decision-making.
- The hippocampus is a very important part of our brain that helps us learn and remember things. The hippocampus seems to grow stronger when we run. Studies have shown that the hippocampus can actually get bigger in people who run regularly.
- These changes in our brain structure have long-term benefits. They help us keep our brain healthy and improve our thinking skills for a long time.
Mental Benefits of Running
5. Improved Executive Function
Our “executive function,” which is how well we can plan, switch between tasks, and solve problems, gets much better when we run regularly. Studies show that runners often do better on tests that measure these skills, especially after a run. This is likely because increased blood flow and the release of helpful brain chemicals create the perfect conditions for our brains to think clearly and creatively.
6. Enhanced Memory
Running also helps us remember things better. With more BDNF and a healthier hippocampus, our brains can create stronger and longer-lasting memories. Studies have shown that people who run regularly tend to do better on tests that measure both short-term and long-term memory.
7. Boosted Focus and Concentration
We often find that we can focus better after running. Many runners say they can really concentrate when they’re running. This improved focus usually helps us concentrate better in other things we do.
The rhythmic movement of running might help our brain learn to stay focused for longer periods. Also, when we run, our brain gets more oxygen, which helps us concentrate better for a longer time.
8. Increased Mental Stamina
Just like running helps us run longer and stronger, it also helps us focus better for a longer time. This is called mental stamina.
In today’s world, where we need to use our minds a lot, having good mental stamina is very important. Running can help us improve this mental stamina, making it easier for us to concentrate and work effectively for longer periods.
9. Reduced Mental Fatigue
Running also helps us feel less mentally tired. When we run, our brain gets better at using the blood and energy it has. This means runners often feel sharper and more alert, even when they have to think hard. Because of this, they can make better decisions and stay focused throughout the day.
Conclusion
We put on our running shoes, go outside, and start running! It’s a simple thing to do, but amazing things happen in our brain when we run.
It’s truly amazing! Running is not just good for our body, but also for the mind. Running can help us think better, feel happier, and improve our overall well-being.
You too can make running a regular part of your life. You’ll be surprised at how much it can improve your mind and how good it makes you feel. So, put on your running shoes, go outside, and experience the amazing benefits of running for both your body and your mind.